One of the most diverse fossil beds in the world is found in central Colorado at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. The area is home to redwood stumps as large as fourteen feet wide that are petrified as well as thousands of fossilized insects and plants. Visitors to the fossil beds should plan to spend two to four hours exploring starting with the visitor’s center where there are fossil displays, a short film, exhibits, and information on the fossil beds. Behind the visitor’s center are outdoor exhibits and access to one of three self-guided hikes. There are fifteen additional miles of hiking trails beyond the educational trails at the visitor's center. Ranger-guided activities and special events happen throughout the year.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant, Colorado, Phone: 719-748-3253

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